A legislative bill led by Rep. Vicki Lopez has passed its first hurdle in the Florida House of Representatives, aiming to prevent state-owned Citizens Property Insurance Corp. from covering condominiums lacking required inspections. The bill mandates milestone inspections and reserve studies for condo buildings, aiming to prevent disasters like the 2021 Surfside collapse. This legislation also allows condo boards to levy special assessments and obtain loans for repairs without unit owner approval. Concerns were raised during the hearing regarding board control over reserve accounts and the elimination of unit owners’ power to fund repairs without approval. Lobbyists cited a previous case where owners won $16 million after a developer overcharged them for common elements’ maintenance. The bill includes provisions for full property insurance and termination of ownership if repair costs exceed market value. Disputes involving recalls or elections would be resolved by arbitrators from the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes. Additionally, associations would be required to pay all costs and attorney fees if unit owners prevail in disputes. The bill also allows electronic voting if requested by at least 25% of voting interests. Despite this progress in the House, the bill lacks a Senate companion. Two separate reform bills in the Senate are yet to be presented. Ron Hurtibise, covering business and consumer issues for the South Florida Sun Sentinel, can be contacted for further information.
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